Patent Prosecution - Patent Agent (Chemistry)

Direct counsel is seeking a Patent Agent with an advanced degree in medicinal or organic chemistry to join its Intellectual Property Prosecution team in San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, or Washington, DC. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge chemical technologies while supporting clients in procuring patent protection and building robust IP portfolios.

About the Intellectual Property – Patent Prosecution Section

The patent practice offers comprehensive strategic counseling in patent law, helping clients clarify goals and navigate patent landscapes across various industries. Patent attorneys and agents advise clients on patent protection, licensing, acquisitions, and other business transactions.

Responsibilities

The Patent Agent will:

• Assess scientific literature, patents, and patent application documents across organic, synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and material science subjects.
• Analyze and critique scientific data related to inventions.
• Conduct in-depth searches for scientific articles, patents, and applications relevant to inventions.
• Draft patent applications, including background descriptions, invention features, and claims.
• Prepare responses to patent rejections from the USPTO and other patent offices, offering detailed analyses and convincing arguments for patent approval.
• Present ideas and reasoning to colleagues and provide feedback on their concepts.
• Work with clients to procure patent protection for innovative technologies.

Qualifications

• USPTO admission required.
• Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, or 3+ years of post-baccalaureate laboratory research experience.
• 2+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• Strong ability to present scientific concepts to both scientists and non-scientists.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in team settings.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $230,000, with bonus eligibility. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package.

This is a unique opportunity for a patent agent to join a leading firm and contribute to its dynamic intellectual property practice.